From the Hawk's Nest: Listening, observing keys for leadership

Contributed / Dickinson State University Opinion by Scott Molander Today at 11:10 AM Listen Comments Share Share this article Opinion Opinion Advocates for ideas and draws conclusions based on the interpretation of facts and data. The Trust Project What is this? The recent elections brought a lot of interesting interviews. I was watching a TV interview and the small group started talking about Theodore Roosevelt, as his birthday was on October 27th. The Theodore Roosevelt Honors Program here at Dickinson State University was created to help shape leaders for the future of our region & country. The Johnson endowed chair of the Theodore Roosevelt Leadership director Michelle Orton leads this wonderful program. I recently discussed leadership with several of the students in the program. We discuss the different aspects of this program including leading by example. Short topics like actions speak louder than words. Your handshake is your bond. I think one of the most important aspects of leadership is listening and observing. I have always said listening is an art and you should spend 80% of your time listening. ADVERTISEMENT I recently finished a book by Tony Wald, a 1969 alumnus from DSU. He was a leader on the great basketball teams of the late 1960’s here at DSU. Chapter 19 is titled “Listen more and talk less.” The chapter had great points about the need for leaders to be effective listeners. You can hear the themes or similar thoughts, through multiple conversations about the company. In wrapping up our listening sessions around the strategic plan for DSU I have heard of all the different points of view. Community, faculty, staff and most importantly having lunch with student groups. Some key points were brought out by the students. They really are overwhelmed about how the community supports the university. They feel this is one of the keys to making this a strong university and more importantly a strong community. Together we will move the University forward into the future. Comments Share Share this article Opinion Opinion Advocates for ideas and draws conclusions based on the interpretation of facts and data. The Trust Project What is this? Tags Tags DICKINSON DICKINSON STATE UNIVERSITY EDUCATION HIGHER EDUCATION Opinion by Scott Molander Scott Molander is a Dickinson State University graduate and president of Dickinson State University. "From the Hawk's Nest" appears weekly in The Dickinson Press. Listen to this article Conversation ADVERTISEMENT What To Read Next Columns Josh Hammer: Forgetting the meaning of a true populist movement 1d ago · By Josh Hammer Columns Port: North Dakota mandated school meals but didn't fund them. It's time to pay the bill. 2d ago · By Rob Port Columns Port: Ballot error impacting Surrey school bond worse than first reported 3d ago · By Rob Port ADVERTISEMENT Get Local Must Reads College Clock strikes midnight for DSU in loss to Montana Tech 52m ago · By Carter Dooner Prep The Dickinson Press - Area Athletics, Nov 6, 2026 2d ago · By Carter Dooner Local Women Empowering Women launches annual holiday drive for elderly women, pursues community programs 2d ago · By Kelly Harju Prep Blue Hawks look to turn late-season surge into postseason berth 3d ago · By Carter Dooner